The Vatican has opened an international conference to discuss the role of the mind, body, and soul in the future healthcare.
The three-day virtual event explores methods of prevention and preparedness against health crises.
It features conversations from leaders in the humanities and scientific community, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden.
ANTHONY FAUCI, MD
Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (United States)
You must be flexible. I've said this so many times, flexible, open-minded, and humble, to know that even though you have 40 years of experience, that when you're dealing with something that is really in the realm of the unknown, you've got to expect the unexpected.
Participants will discuss the ethics and implementation of cutting-edge advances in medical technology.
Albert Bourla is the CEO of Pfizer, the first company to produce an effective vaccine against Covid-19. He says the rapid development of mRNA technology will lead to further breakthroughs in the medical field.
ALBERT BOURLA, DVM, PHD
Chairman and CEO, PFIZER
Right now we have reached a level that we understand so much about the nuances of this that the field of applying it to therapeutics or other vaccines is wide open. I believe that we will see tremendous activity from multiple biotechnology companies right now.
Throughout the pandemic, Pope Francis has repeatedly called for universal vaccine distribution among the world's poorest countries. He will close the conference with a message for all of the participants.
POPE FRANCIS
“It would be sad if the vaccine for COVID-19, gives priority to the richest. It would be sad if this vaccine became the property of one nation or another and is not universal and for everyone.”
Other speakers include Chelsea Clinton, Cindy Crawford, and the lead guitarist of Aerosmith, Joe Perry. The first International Vatican Conference was held in 2011 under Benedict XVI. Ten years later, the Vatican is hosting its fifth edition of the conference.
Justin McLellan
